Kogi State Government Begins Construction Of New Ultra-modern Market

On Monday, the Kogi State Government handed over 15 hectares of land to Sazaz Acres Biloque Company (SABC) Limited, to construct a new ultra-modern market in the capital, to replace the old Lokoja International Market.

Handing over the site to the contracting firm, the state commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Taiye Abanika said the new project was initiated by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to expand development in the state capital.

Abanika said the new market project located along Hassan Usman Katsina road was in line with the governor’s determination to make the state more urban, adding that the project is expected to be completed in 36 months with modern facilities to drive development in the state.

The Commissioner said the state placed value on money, hence the conduct of due diligence on the construction company, SABC Limited, to determine its capability to execute a job of that magnitude before the contract was awarded.

“The governor placed a high premium on the development of the state. The market will Open up development in the area, create jobs for the people, and as well spread up development in the confluence state.

“We have ensured due diligence in selecting SABC, we found them capable. I therefore encouraged you to do a quality job in line with the specifications contained in the contract papers,” he added.

The Commissioner of Works, Engr. Muhammed Ahovi Yusuf urged the company to do quality jobs by adhering strictly to the drawings and specifications in the Bill of Quantity, warning that the government will not condone any substandard job.

Yusuf noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to the urbanization of the state, opening up rural areas and bringing development opportunities closer to the people.

Speaking for the construction firm, Arc. Abdulrazaq Aliyu promised to deliver the project within the contractual time frame, adding that the company will do its job beyond expectation.

The state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in his speech at the handing-over ceremony on Monday, warned the contractor against poor construction below the standard set by the state government.

“This is a project after the heart of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the state Governor, we have also done due diligence and found your company worthy to do the job to the specifications as spelled out in the contract documents handed over to you.

“Every single person, an individual or corporate organisation that has an interest in the land has been settled and adequately compensated so nobody will disturb workers on site while construction work is going on.”